Manchester United midfield dreams have been a rollercoaster this summer. Initially, the dream trio was set to be Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, and Kobbie Mainoo. However, the transfer saga has taken some unexpected turns.
Carlos Baleba – The £100m+ Enigma
United’s top target was Carlos Baleba from Brighton. The 21-year-old Cameroonian is a powerhouse in midfield, but Brighton slapped a hefty £115 million price tag on him. Despite United’s interest, Brighton remained firm, stating Baleba isn’t for sale at any price.
Adam Wharton – The Crystal Palace Conundrum
With Baleba out of reach, United turned their attention to Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace. The 21-year-old Englishman has shone and Palace is unwilling to sell after other big-name departures. United and Chelsea are reportedly planning offers in January, but Palace’s position makes things complicated.
Kobbie Mainoo – The Loan Request Drama
The 20-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo also spoke up amid the transfer debacle and asked for a loan move to Napoli to get more minutes. United initially turned down the request in the hope that he would stay and fight for a place. But with the injury of some first team players and with no new signings in midfield, Mainoo could stand more chances to grow on the pitch and prove himself.
The Midfield Puzzle
So, what does United’s current midfield look like? Ruben Amorim at the controls, the midfield trio surely must be Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo. But injuries and form issues have done away with that rhythm. It’s the dream United midfield of Baleba, Wharton and Mainoo, and it’s still only a mid-term plan – nothing is coming in soon.
Author’s Opinion
The Baleba, Wharton, and Mainoo dream midfield may have to wait, but the United midfield in progress could sparkle anyway. Between Ruben Amorim’s teachings and some key chances, the red devils can build towards a midfield that is indeed dynamic and fearsome.